S*0883(Rat #0226, Act #0196 of 2008)  General Bill, By Cleary and Fair
 AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION
 53-3-105 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TWELFTH DAY OF MAY OF EACH YEAR IS
 DESIGNATED AS "FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY" TO EDUCATE EMPLOYERS, PHYSICIANS,
 AND CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA OF THE DEBILITATING EFFECTS OF FIBROMYALGIA. -
 ratified title

   12/05/07  Senate Prefiled
   12/05/07  Senate Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs
   01/08/08  Senate Introduced and read first time SJ-45
   01/08/08  Senate Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs SJ-45
   03/12/08  Senate Committee report: Favorable Medical Affairs SJ-9
   03/13/08  Senate Read second time SJ-8
   03/18/08  Senate Read third time and sent to House SJ-25
   03/25/08  House  Introduced and read first time HJ-21
   03/25/08  House  Referred to Committee on Invitations and Memorial
                     Resolutions HJ-21
   03/27/08  House  Committee report: Favorable Invitations and
                     Memorial Resolutions HJ-2
   04/01/08  House  Read second time HJ-32
   04/02/08  House  Read third time and enrolled HJ-27
   04/10/08         Ratified R 226
   04/15/08         Signed By Governor
   04/21/08         Copies available
   04/21/08         Effective date 04/15/08
   04/21/08         Act No. 196

(A196, R226, S883)

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 53-3-105 SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE TWELFTH DAY OF MAY OF EACH YEAR IS DESIGNATED AS "FIBROMYALGIA AWARENESS DAY" TO EDUCATE EMPLOYERS, PHYSICIANS, AND CITIZENS OF SOUTH CAROLINA OF THE DEBILITATING EFFECTS OF FIBROMYALGIA.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Legislative findings

SECTION    1.        The General Assembly finds and declares that:

(1)    An estimated six million Americans have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a disease for which there is no known cause or cure.

(2)    Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal aches, pain, and stiffness, soft tissue tenderness, general fatigue, and sleep disturbances. Neurological complaints such as numbness, tingling, and burning are often present and add to the discomfort of the patient.

(3)    Additional symptoms of fibromyalgia include irritable bowel and bladder syndrome, headaches and migraines, restless leg syndrome, impaired memory and concentration, skin sensitivities, and dry eyes and mouth.

(4)    Because fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose, patients often suffer from the disease for years before they are treated. While there is no cure for fibromyalgia, medication is available to alleviate symptoms of the illness.

(5)    The National Fibromyalgia Association and other support organizations promote fibromyalgia awareness and support, including education, diagnosis, research, and treatment.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

SECTION    2.    Chapter 3, Title 53 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 53-3-105.    The twelfth day of May of each year is designated as 'Fibromyalgia Awareness Day' in South Carolina to educate employers, physicians, and citizens of South Carolina of the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia."

Time effective

SECTION    3.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Ratified the 10th day of April, 2008.

Approved the 15th day of April, 2008.